In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe and Kyle Nitchen dive into what it really means to lead in the construction industry.

This is a conversation about more than job titles - it's about how leadership is shaped by self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to grow through challenges.

They unpack the journey from follower to leader, navigating tough work relationships, and the impact of mentorship on long-term career success.

Whether you're on the tools or managing a team, this episode explores the skills, mindset, and personal responsibility it takes to step up and lead with purpose.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why leadership is a skill that can be learned
• How emotional intelligence helps manage teams and build trust
• The role of self-awareness in developing your leadership style
• Why tough work relationships can reveal growth opportunities
• How mentorship shapes career paths in construction
• The difference between working hard and working smart
• What it means to lead with humility and selflessness
• How to motivate today’s workforce and teach the ‘why’ behind the work
• Why building skills and recognising every role matters
• How to move forward without needing to make it all the way to the top

Stay connected:

• Kyle Nitchen | LinkedIn
• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe is joined by fellow construction pro Kyle Nitchen for a down-to-earth conversation about their journeys in the industry—where they started, what they’ve learned, and what they think needs to change.

Kyle shares how he went from working in landscaping to leading major construction projects, while Kevin opens up about how his family helped shape his path. Together, they talk about the ups, the downs, and the reality of what it means to be a leader on site.

They also dig into the challenges project managers face today, why practical experience sometimes beats a degree, and why the construction world could use a little more community. Oh—and Kyle gives us the backstory on The Influential Project Manager, and how it’s become more than just an idea, but a movement.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• Kyle’s non-traditional path into construction (hint: it started with landscaping).
• How Kevin’s family inspired his career decisions.
• The shared struggles and blind spots in today’s construction industry.
• Why leadership is more than a title—especially in project management.
• The importance of learning by doing, not just by the book.
• The origin of The Influential Project Manager—and why it matters.

Why tune in?

If you’re in the construction world (or just love a good story about growth and grit), this episode is for you. It’s honest, insightful, and packed with real talk about how we can build better—projects and people.

Follow the conversation:

• Kyle Nitchen | LinkedIn
• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe and Kyle Nitchen are back, this time diving into the real-life challenges of scaling a business in the construction world. From navigating the complex relationship between owners and subcontractors to finding (and keeping) great talent, this episode is packed with insights from both sides of the industry.

Kyle and Kevin get real about the need to bring respect and prestige back to the trades, and how leadership, storytelling, and community can help shift the narrative. Whether you're in the field, in the office, or somewhere in between, this one’s about elevating the game for everyone.

What’s Inside:

• The shared struggles between corporate teams and tradespeople.
• Why scaling a construction business is one of the toughest—but most rewarding—challenges.
• The leader’s true job: enabling their team’s success.
• Why attracting young talent to the trades is more than a pipeline issue—it’s a culture issue.
• A powerful call to honour, respect, and celebrate tradespeople.
• How we can change the image of the industry to inspire the next generation.
• The role of community in lifting the entire construction space.
• Why selling, storytelling, and communication are skills every construction leader needs.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a mission. If you care about the future of construction and the people who make it happen, this episode is your call to action.

Stay connected:

• Kyle Nitchen | LinkedIn
• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe and Kyle Nitchen go deep on some of the most important (but often overlooked) aspects of the construction industry—like safety, financial health, and why prequalification matters more than you might think.

They break down the real-world challenges contractors face when trying to scale or win new work, and why building strong relationships—especially with local teams—can change the game. This conversation is full of practical insight and a clear message: to elevate the trades, we’ve got to rethink how we operate.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Why safety and financial health are non-negotiables for success.
• What prequalification actually means—and why it matters for access and credibility.
• How understanding project costs leads to stronger budgeting and better outcomes.
• Why local contractors often bring better value and results to community projects.
• The role bonding plays for contractors working toward prequal standards.
• How the industry is evolving, and where opportunities for skilled trades are growing.
• The importance of continuous learning and staying sharp in an ever-changing industry.
• How projects that reflect the communities they serve lead to better, more lasting impact.

This one’s all about building smarter, safer, and stronger—for the long haul.

Stay connected:

• Kyle Nitchen | LinkedIn
• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kyle Nitchen joins Kevin Hohe to break down the ideas behind his book, No Bullshit Project, a refreshingly honest take on what it really takes to manage successful construction projects.

Kyle introduces the 7 Archetypes of Project Management: the communicator, enforcer, builder, leader, attorney, accountant, and business developer, and how each one plays a crucial role in delivering real value on a project.

This is more than just a conversation about process; it's about people, leadership, and the grit it takes to succeed in an unpredictable industry.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why construction projects almost never go as planned—and why that’s okay.
• The journey behind writing No Bullshit Project and why the book had to be written.
• The 7 archetypes every project manager should master—and how to recognize them on your team.
• The real job of a project manager: putting work in place, not just pushing paper.
• Why communication, accountability, and negotiation are non-negotiable.
• How emotional intelligence and financial literacy impact leadership.
• The risks of working in silos—and how to build stronger, cross-functional teams.
• How mentorship, entrepreneurship, and perseverance shape great leaders.
• What it takes to build a career—and a legacy—in construction.

Connect with Kyle: LinkedIn | No Bullshit Project Book

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Joel Spalding for a powerful conversation about leadership, mindset, and the real-world challenges of growing in the construction industry.

From general contractor to subcontractor, Joel shares the lessons learned along the way, the importance of thinking bigger, and why setting ambitious goals and building strong team culture are non-negotiables.

They explore the emotional grit required to lead, the role of passion and selflessness, and the impact of work-life balance and hobbies on long-term success. It’s a raw, inspiring deep dive into what it really takes to lead in construction, and in life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Embrace opportunities as they arise and learn from failures
• A strong work ethic is crucial for success
• Leadership involves creating a vision and guiding the team toward it
• Transitioning from general contracting to subcontracting can offer unique advantages
• Mindset plays a significant role in business growth and success
• Building a strong team culture is essential for achieving goals
• Setting ambitious goals can motivate teams and drive performance
• Trust and communication are key components of effective leadership

Stay connected:

• Kyle Nitchen | LinkedIn
• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the Atomic Construction Podcast; the show where we break down what it really takes to build better projects, stronger teams, and a more respected construction industry.

Hosted by Kevin Hohe…construction leader and lifelong learner.

Every week, he sits down with people who are out there doing the work, like Kyle Nitchen, to talk honestly about the challenges, wins, and wild stories behind the job sites.

We cover everything from scaling businesses and navigating project costs…

…to building strong leadership, creating community, and restoring real respect to the trades.

So if you’re in the construction world or just want to hear what it takes to build something that lasts - you’re in the right place.

Hit follow, and join us every week on the Atomic Construction Podcast. Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.